Every year, a new crop of creators finds internet stardom. And sometimes, like in the case of TikTok beauty megastar Mikayla Nogueira (9.3 million followers on TikTok), it’s quite literally overnight. Since the start of the pandemic, Tinx (1.4 million followers on TikTok) has become the platform’s relatable “older sister.” Her bio on the app reads: “POV: ur the oldest girl on TikTok & u live in Los Angeles.” So, who better to ask who we should keep our eye on than those already making products that sell out and videos that go viral? Below, some of the year’s biggest influencers weigh in on who’s worthy of a follow.
Mikayla Nogueira
Her pick: Beautykillsmua (TikTok)
@samanthataormina #makeup #beauty #confession #makeupartist #dontgiveup #makeuptiktok
“She’s a makeup artist I discovered earlier this year, and she has some of the best content I’ve seen. It is extremely informative and knowledgeable. She has been a makeup artist for nearly a decade. I have become a massive fan. She deserves millions of followers, and I hope she will blow up next year. No one deserves it more! She works incredibly hard. Keep an eye on her and her amazing content.”
Christina “Tinx” Najjar
Her pick: Chrissy Rutherford (TikTok)
@chrissyford Outfit check from London
“Chrissy is a fashion industry vet, but now she’s a full-time creator and she’s absolutely inspiring. From her incredible weekly newsletter to her hot astrological takes to her fresh fashion sense, she’s really a wonderful follow. I learn so much from her and she creates and influences with such elegance and grace. I just know she’s going to be even bigger next year, and I can’t wait to watch her flourish.”
Hyram Yarbro
His pick: Mina Le (YouTube)
@gremlita
“She’s a YouTuber I love watching and who I think will explode in the upcoming year! With her thought-provoking opinions and well-researched videos, she’s already started to boom and it’s well deserved! Each of her videos covers engaging and controversial topics related to social issues, all while keeping the flow thoroughly entertaining! (A skill I admire.) Her videos inspire me to question everything and always focus on how I can contribute to a better society.”
Katie Sturino
Her pick: Marielle Elizabeth (Instagram)
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@marielle.elizabeth Casual Fall Vibes 🍂 ft. 99% Sustainable Plus Size Fashion brands #plussize #plussizefashion #ethicalfashionbrand #sustainablefashion #fypfashion
♬ Running Away – VANO 3000 & BADBADNOTGOOD & Samuel T. Herring
“I love what Marielle Elizbeth is doing — as she calls it, it’s ‘slow fashion for fat babes.’ Her style and content focus on sustainability at all sizes, and her message is so important. I can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for her.”
Ellie Thumann
Her pick: Hannah Jarrah (Instagram)
@wholesome.han morning walk attire courtesy of @Free People Movement 🦋 #freepeoplepartner
♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
“I really enjoy her content because it’s so positive and provides insight into manifesting and prioritizing yourself. I think she has a great message on all of her platforms, and she’s someone I love seeing pop up on my feed. I think she is going to take off next year!!!!”
Teni Panosian
Her pick: Erin O’Brien (Instagram)
@erinnobrienn You’ve GOT TO TRY this Hearty Tuscan Kale Pasta Stew ☃️🎄😍 #ComfortFood #HappyHolidays #holidayfood #cookingtiktok
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“I discovered Erin O’Brien last year. She mostly shares recipes on her page — many of which I’ve made — but it was her energy that was magnetic. I appreciate authentic, kind people. I’ve chatted with her a few times, and she’s really such a sweet person. That’s what keeps me engaged with her content over all the other food and recipe pages. Authenticity is lacking in social media, so when I find it, it really stands out. And clearly, I’m not the only one who’s noticed — she’s grown quite a bit since I first found her page.”
